From Fleece to Fabric: Wool’s Journey Through the Supply Chain

As a natural fibre, wool textile manufacturing involves a remarkably complex supply chain — one that extends even further when you factor in recycling pathways and wool’s biodegradability at end of life.

A Global Industry, Rooted in Diversity

World greasy wool production reached approximately 1,977 million kg in 2022, produced by an estimated 1.3 billion sheep across the globe. Worldwide, there are estimated to be more than 1,000 different sheep breeds, each producing wool that varies in colour, texture, and length. Breeds differ by country and environment, which is why it is difficult to make generalisations about sheep and wool — the variation is part of what makes the fibre so versatile.

➡️Shearing: Where It All Begins

Sheep are typically shorn once a year, usually in spring or summer, though in some countries shearing can occur up to three times a year depending on the climate and production system.

Where production systems are well developed, the wool is rigorously tested after shearing to determine its properties, and different grades are packed separately to preserve quality along the supply chain.

➡️Greasy Wool to Clean Wool

Freshly shorn wool is known in the trade as “greasy” wool — a reference to the lanolin it naturally contains. The early stages of processing involve scouring: washing the wool to remove this grease, along with any other impurities. The lanolin recovered from this process is far from wasted; it is widely used in personal care products such as lip balm and finds application in Vitamin D3 production, among other uses.

Once scoured, the wool is weighed and assessed again in its clean form, forming the basis for trade and further processing decisions.

➡️From Fibre to Finished Goods

Processing then continues through spinning, knitting, and weaving. The resulting fabric — whether knitted or woven — is most commonly made into apparel, or into household textiles such as blankets and upholstery.